Category: Radio New Zealand

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Home ownership at the core of the ‘Kiwi Dream’, but 85 percent ‘given up hope’ – survey

Source: Radio New Zealand

Confidence in achieving home-ownership is improving, but 57 percent still feel locked out of the market. RNZ

  • Kiwibank survey shows 85 percent want to own their own home
  • 43 pct of non-owners think they will never own one
  • More than half of non-owners feel locked out of property market
  • Cost of living, high prices, getting a deposit are barriers
  • Would-be owners flexible in achieving their goal

The impulse to own a house remains a core driver for many New Zealanders seeking security and future wealth, but a large number think that will never happen, according to a new bank survey.

The second Kiwibank State of Home Ownership report showed 85 percent of respondents agreed home ownership was at the core of what it called the “Kiwi Dream”, unchanged from the 2024 report.

Confidence in achieving that was improving, but 57 percent still felt locked out of the market, and 46 percent of non-owners said they had “given up hope” of their own house.

Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich said the survey showed that home ownership was core to the New Zealand identity, and there was a resilience and determination to get on the property ladder.

“While optimism about getting on the ladder has lifted, many Kiwi still feel locked out. Yet, true to Kiwi spirit, they’re willing to adapt and compromise to achieve their dream of home ownership.”

Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich. Supplied / Kiwibank

Barriers to ownership

The main difficulties in getting on the ladder were named as the cost of living, high house prices, and difficulty in saving a deposit .

Jurkovich said the survey showed would-be owners being more adaptable in finding ways to buy a property.

“That includes exploring non-traditional pathways like co-ownership … or relocating to a different region.”

Other options included buying a smaller house, moving in with family and friends to save money, and going overseas.

Younger age groups — 18-29 year olds (Gen Z) and those between 30 and 44 (millennials) — were the most eager to buy a house and the most confident of eventually doing so.

Jurkovich said once people had bought a house they were determined to pay off the mortgage, with a third saying they were in better financial shape than a year ago and 82 percent saying it was their top priority.

“Around 40 percent of our fixed-rate home loan customers are making extra payments each month, putting them on track to clear their loans sooner. It’s a strong signal of Kiwi commitment to financial security.”

He said lower interest rates and the easing in the loan to value ratios should benefit would-be home buyers.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Consumer and business credit demand improves again in October

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Consumer and business credit demand increased in October, a positive sign for the economy, but monthly company liquidations hit their highest level since 2011.

Credit agency Centrix’s October monthly report showed consumer arrears continued falling to 459,000, about 12 percent of all borrowers, from 465,000 the monthly before, the lowest level in more than two years.

Chief operation officer Monika Lacey said recent Official Cash Rate (OCR) cuts were beginning to positively reshape the credit environment, a trend she expected would continue after last week’s OCR cut.

“New household lending rose 13.2 percent year-on-year and mortgage enquiries remain elevated, as refinancing continues to be popular among borrowers seeking lower rates.

“Consumer credit demand is rising ahead of Black Friday, up 4.8 percent year-on-year, with personal loan demand increasing as the retail sales season ramps up.”

In contrast, credit card demand fell by 22.2 percent which Lacy said was due to them becoming less popular with younger consumers.

Business demand rises, but so do liquidations

Business credit demand rose 3 percent year-on-year, which Lacey said signalled steady growth across key sectors.

Credit demand was strongest in the hospitality sector, up 38 percent over the past 12 months, followed by education/training at 22 percent, and retail trade at 19 percent.

Construction remained under pressure, with credit demand falling 11 percent, and transport credit demand fell by 4percent.

Company liquidations rose to their highest level since 2011, which Lacey said underscored ongoing financial stress in some sectors, as well as increased enforcement by the Inland Revenue Department.

Construction had 753 liquidations over the past year, followed by 318 in hospitality, but overall six of 19 industry sectors showed improvements.

Lacey said the numbers had to be taken in context, and the total number of liquidations were only a tiny proportion of the total number of companies in the country.

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Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says budget, City Rail behind proposed 7.9% rate hike

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the budget and overdue City Rail Link (CRL) is the prime factor behind a proposed 7.9 percent residential rates increase.

He said his proposal for the 2026/2027 Annual Plan would “stay the course” of settings outlined in the 2024-2034 Long-term Plan with a focus on savings and financial efficiency.

“We are going to stick to the plan that’s working, this is our contract with the community, and it is important that we keep our side of the agreement.

“The rates increase primarily pays for the additional costs of CRL. While that cost has been enormous, once it’s open we will see huge economic benefits – it will transform Auckland.”

Work began on the $5.5 billion CRL in 2017 and was expected to nearly double the city’s rail transportation capacity when it opened in the latter half of 2026.

Deputy Mayor and Value for Money Committee Chair Desley Simpson said an “unwavering focus on savings and financial efficiency” would continue as the city braced for the costs of operating the massive transport infrastructure upgrade.

“Having worked to achieve over $1b in financial benefits in the last six years, my commitment to Aucklanders is to continue strongly with that focus on financial efficiencies. Given the costs of operating CRL that we are expecting, it is vitally important we keep our focus on opportunities for revenue growth and continued savings,” Simpson said.

Deputy Mayor and Value for Money Committee Chair Desley Simpson. RNZ / Nick Monro

The plan upped the city’s savings target by an additional $20 million on 2025/2026 bringing the total goal to $106 million.

Brown said his proposal was focused on delivering smarter services and faster progress to strengthen communities and businesses – promising better use of public spaces, particularly the waterfront.

“We must also make sure Auckland is a vibrant, clean, safe and welcoming city centre that is open for business.

“The government has started working more closely with me on this, but we must remember where responsibility lies here: we do places, they do people,” Brown said.

He said he would prioritise transport reform with a focus on the new Public Transport council controlled organisation (CCO).

“The intention of CCO reform was to bring decision-makers closer to these decisions so they make sense alongside each other.

“We’re looking at transport investment that is cheaper and less annoying than currently under Auckland Transport. Land-use planning must sit alongside transport planning if we’re going to transform Auckland.

“We are now setting out the nuts and bolts of how Auckland Transport will become the public transport service provider alone, which they’re actually pretty good at, and all the other parts must be done better and will be within the council. I’m asking councillors to think regionally here, not just about their own patch,” Brown said.

A workshop to discuss the draft Mayoral Proposal for the Annual Plan 2026/2027 will be held this week and, if approved, public consultation is scheduled to take place early next year.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Fans frustrated as tense Tall Blacks loss to Australia cuts out on screen

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tall Blacks Flynn Cameron (L) with Australia Jaylin Galloway during the FIBA World Cup Qualifier – New Zealand Tall Blacks v Australia Boomers at TSB Arena, Wellington, on 1 December 2025. Marty Melville / Photosport

A buzzer beater finish by the Boomers has left the Tall Blacks heartbroken, but a technical issue meant some fans missed out on the tense final moments.

Australia beat New Zealand 79-77 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Monday night at the TSB Bank Arena.

A last minute play by 26-year-old guard Davo Hickey banked in a tough trifecta from the wing just before time expired, helping the Boomers complete the escape after finding themselves staring at a 67-57 deficit early in the final period.

However, some fans on the edge of their seats missed the exhilarating final moments.

Viewers reported coverage cut out on ESPN channel 60, Sky and Disney+, with one commenting on social media the live stream on Sky Sport went to ads, “then to some guys in a boat”.

On its TikTok channel, ESPN Australia/NZ acknowledged the mishap: “We are aware that due to a technical issue at the end of the game was not seen for some viewers. We are investigating the cause and deeply apologise for the issue.”

But as one fan put it, the blunder “saved us from watching NZ choke again”.

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Tom Phillips hearing underway challenging media restrictions, publication of case details

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police at the location of one of the campsites just off the Te Anga Road near Waitomo where Tom Phillips had been hiding for the last four years. Dean Purcell/New Zealand Herald via Getty Images

A hearing challenging extensive restrictions that prevents the media from publishing certain details related to the investigation into Tom Phillips is under way.

Phillips died following a shootout with police after they were called to reports of a burglary in the early hours of 8 September.

On 8 September lawyer Linda Clark, acting for Tom Phillips’ mother, went to the High Court in Wellington seeking an urgent injunction.

The injunction – which prevented media, police and Oranga Tamariki from publishing certain details related to the case – was granted by Justice Helen Cull.

A further hearing was held in the Hamilton High Court on Monday.

Media are only permitted to report the fact of the hearing, which continues on Tuesday, and the fact that it involves challenges to existing reporting restrictions including those ordered by the Family Court.

Last week, the government announced an inquiry into the handling of the case by authorities and whether all “practicable steps” were taken to ensure the safety and welfare of the Phillips children.

Attorney-General Judith Collins said the decision to establish a public inquiry “reflects the significant public interest and concern for the children’s welfare over the almost four years they were missing”.

“It is important that we establish the facts and determine whether agencies could take steps to prevent, or resolve similar situations more quickly and effectively in the future,” Collins said.

Attorney-General Judith Collins. Nick Monro

The terms of reference had been developed with the privacy and welfare of the children in mind. The inquiry would therefore be conducted in private and without public hearings.

A spokesperson for the Phillips family released a statement to RNZ.

“We welcome any inquiry that helps ensure this never happens to another family ever again.”

Collins said the inquiry must also respect the independence of the courts and would not include findings on judicial decisions.

Police have also welcomed the announcement of the inquiry, saying they “recognise the significant public interest in this matter and the decision that a robust and independent review is required”.

The Honourable Justice Simon Moore, KC, has been appointed as the sole member of the inquiry, with a final report and recommendations to be delivered by 21 July 2026.

Family court injunction

A second injunction was granted in the Family Court in Hamilton on 15 September.

A redacted version of Judge Garry Collin’s judgement was earlier released to RNZ.

Judge Collin said there was a “great deal of public interest in the Phillips’ children”, which he said was reflected in media reports and posts on social media.

“It is not in their short or long-term welfare that their experiences are subject to public curiosity or scrutiny.

“They should not be the subject of speculation, nor is it in their welfare and best interests that any information is released.”

He said the media and “public appetite” must be subject to the children’s right to privacy, their protection as vulnerable young victims, and their ability to integrate back into society “without everyone knowing their story”.

“Their views, and rights to participate in the making of decisions about what is written and said about them, needs to be respected. The children need to be able to do this in private, and in their own time.”

Judge Collin said the court was the “guardian of the children”, and had responsibilities “akin to those of a parent”.

“A responsible parent would resist the publication of private sensitive information unless for good reason they considered it to be advantageous.

“In the modern age, information does not disappear with time. What is published may never be removed and may follow these children throughout their lives.”

He said without the children, “there would have been no more than a passing interest in Mr Phillips”.

“This story is not about Mr Phillips but about his children. They were young children when they went in and were young children when they came out. Currently no child in New Zealand is likely to be more vulnerable than they are.”

He understood no-one in the family consented to any further information about the children being published.

Judge Collin said although there may be jurisdictional issues which were better resolved by the High Court, he made interim injunction orders.

He said there may be an issue as to whether he could grant an injunction when the High Court had already done so, or make a restraining order “on more restrictive terms” than made by the High Court.

“These are not issues I intend to deal with today because I do not have the time, and they are in my view, more rightly determined by the High Court.

“Consequently, I intend to make wide ranging restrictions on publication and leave it to the High Court to resolve any jurisdictional issues that exist when the proceedings are next called, or by way of judicial review.”

He made several orders, including an appointment of the court as the guardian of the children to remain, and an interim injunction.

The injunction included restraining anyone from the publication of any documentary, film, or book that referred to the children.

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Boat spotted fishing in marine reserve

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tonga Island Marine Reserve in the Abel Tasman National Park. Unknown

A boat has been seen fishing in a marine reserve off the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park as newly released data shows similar offences spike during summer.

The two reserves in Tasman Bay featuring prominently in the data on marine reserve rule breaches.

Motueka-based Department of Conservation (DOC) marine ranger Stew Robertson said a boat was seen off the Abel Tasman coastline on 16 November inside the Tonga Island Marine Reserve.

A member of the public alerted DOC to the black 6.5 metre Stabicraft, with a distinctive blue trim, whose occupants were seen catching fish about 12.45pm.

A 14-metre white launch was also seen anchored in the Horoirangi Marine Reserve, near Nelson on 5 November.

It was detected on a recently installed camera which monitors the marine reserve, anchored for 90 minutes, which Robertson said was unusual and suspicious boating activity in this particular reserve.

Fishing is banned in marine reserves. Taking and damaging marine life, removing natural materials, polluting and feeding fish are also prohibited.

Roberston has urged for the skipper of either vessel to make contact, or for anyone who saw them in the marine reserve to get in touch with DOC. Information can be provided anonymously and is treated confidentially.

He said there were now more people keeping an eye on the two marine reserves, through the launch of a new Coastwatch group comprising staff from several central and local government agencies and local residents.

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal activity in a marine reserve should call 0800 DOC HOT. Information valuable to DOC includes details of any fishers on land, or any boat involved, descriptions of those aboard, where and when it was seen – and the nature of the alleged activity. Any information offered by the public is valuable, including photographs and videos.

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Local councils relieved with government’s rates capping approach

Source: Radio New Zealand

Local Government vice president and Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The national voice for local councils is relieved that the government is taking a more flexible approach to capping the amount local councils can increase rates.

The government announced on Monday that its long-awaited rates cap law would be a variable target band.

From 2027, councils would not be able to increase rates beyond the upper end of the government’s set range without permission.

The cap was expected to start with a maximum increase of four percent.

Local Government interim chief executive Scott Necklen said it was somewhat reassuring that the government had chosen a more flexible rates model.

But he wanted assurance that the policy would not affect local councils’ ability to invest in core services like roads, bridges and public transport.

“We need a common-sense, fast-track process for exemptions that enables investment in key infrastructure in economic growth in the regions, or when responding to natural disasters.”

Local Government vice president and Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said keeping rates low was a priority for all local councils.

But she said several councils, including the Gisborne District were rebuilding infrastructure after multiple severe weather events.

“Our community’s expectation is also that we deliver the critical infrastructure and services they rely on in a timely way.

“These are the sorts of considerations we will be working with the government to implement.”

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More than 15kg of meth found in Canadian teen’s luggage

Source: Radio New Zealand

The meth found in the Candian’s luggage. Supplied

A 19-year-old Canadian man has been arrested after Customs officers found 15.17 kilograms of methamphetamine in his luggage at Auckland Airport on Sunday.

Customs said the man was identified as a ‘risk passenger’ during its standard pre-arrival screening. Upon arrival from Vancouver, he was taken questioning and a baggage check.

Fifteen vacuum-sealed packages containing a crystal-like substance, which tested positive for meth, were found hidden among clothing in his suitcase.

Customs estimated the potential retail value of the meth was $4.55 million.

The man appeared at Manukau District Court on Monday morning, charged with importing a Class A Controlled drug.

Auckland Airport acting customs manager Ben Wells said customs had robust processes in place to catch drug couriers.

“Customs uses several tools including intelligence and passenger targeting through data and the use of sophisticated technology to identify high-risk passengers such as this individual. Further questioning and a search by front-line officers at the airport clearly indicated that something was not right.

“As we head into the summer season, with higher traveller volumes, every intercept customs officers make further feeds our intelligence and targeting mechanisms to help ensure that only legitimate travellers can pass through, closing the door on opportunities for criminal behaviour.”

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What to expect on Auckland’s IKEA opening day and a first look inside

Source: Radio New Zealand

After years of anticipation, IKEA is set to open its doors to the New Zealand public for the first time on Thursday, December 4.

IKEA’s management said they’re expecting between 15,000 to 20,000 visitors to the Sylvia Park store on its first day of trade.

Inside the Auckland store. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

As a result, motorists have been warned to brace themselves for significant travel delays across the region on Thursday.

On Monday, media were given a first look inside the 34,000sqm store which had been in the works for seven years.

What is it like?

IKEA is well known for its bright colours and staged home environments – both of which could be found in the Auckland store.

Customers will be greeted by multiple rooms set up including lounges, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and even patios. Each room was adorned with artwork and furnishings down to fake vegetables in the fridges and fake meat on a barbecue.

The colours of IKEA. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Everything in the rooms has price tags along with the Swedish name for each item.

After wandering through the showrooms, shoppers would come across the restaurant – complete with IKEA’s famous Swedish meatballs.

Customers were advised to download the IKEA app which would help them navigate the store which was across two levels and hep them find where to pick up flatpack items.

What will the roads be like?

Motorists have been told to expect 40-minute queues in the area along with potential hour-long waits for carparks.

Auckland Transport and NZTA have encouraged road users to plan ahead for the day and allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.

Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) Manager Claire Howard said substantial crowds were expected at IKEA for weeks or even months which would have a substantial effect on the transport network across Auckland.

“Surrounding streets in Mt Wellington will also be busy, with forecast delays of up to 40 minutes on Mt Wellington Highway in peak traffic.”

ATOC – a joint Auckland Transport and NZTA venture for managing the network in real time – has been working with the retail giant to ensure their traffic management plan minimises the traffic impact as much as possible. It would be actively managing light signals and diverting traffic where possible as congestion levels increase.

Congestion was expected to be at its worst during peak hour during the week and on Saturdays between 1 and 4pm – particularly heading northbound from South Auckland toward Mt Wellington.

Staff would be on the ground at Sylvia Park Train Station to help direct people to the store who were travelling by train.

IKEA’s NZ manager Johanna Cederlöf, said for anyone who wasn’t in Auckland or who wanted to avoid the opening day crowds, they could shop online from midnight as a way to beat the crowds.

A place to park the kids. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

In terms of when traffic in the area would ease, Cederlöf said she hoped the crowds at the store would not die down for “quite a while”, but it usually took a couple of months for the initial excitement to die down.

Shelf after shelf of flatpack all ready to go. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

She urged anyone travelling to the store to try taking public transport.

Fans of the IKEA meatballs can buy bags to take home. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

What time does the store open?

Cederlöf said the store would open at 11am on Thursday and the carpark would not open to shoppers until 8.30am.

Anyone who arrived earlier than 8.30am would be asked to leave and come back to make sure everyone stayed safe.

“We chose to open at 11am so that we avoid the morning traffic,” Cederlöf said.

The iconic blue shopping bag is also for sale. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

“Normal work traffic should be already gone and then you can hopefully, conveniently, come to IKEA and we will monitor the situation.”

The regular IKEA opening hours from 5 December onwards would be 9am to 9pm, seven days a week. The carpark and queue would open daily at 7.30am.

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Why Melissa Stokes is excited to anchor the 1News flagship bulletin

Source: Radio New Zealand

It was a “bittersweet” moment when Melissa Stokes learned she was to be the new lead presenter of TVNZ’s 1News at Six.

“Because my mum died two years ago and she would have loved to have known that I’d got the job.”

He family knew when she found out, but were on strict orders to keep it under wraps until the official announcement, she told RNZ’s Afternoons.

“My Dad was quite keen to tell the Bowls Club but there was a very, ‘no Dad, no, we’ve got to keep this tight’.”

Dallow warned her to be prepared when the announcement was made, she says.

“Simon had said to me, we had a really nice talk on the phone on the Friday before the Monday it was announced, and he said to me, ‘you need to be braced’ and I, probably in my typical way, was like, ‘oh yeah, whatever, I’ll be fine’.

“But it was on the day a little bit overwhelming.”

Dallow has had a formative role in her career, Stokes says.

“I talked to Simon or Wendy [Petrie] down my earpiece for many years as a reporter. And then when I wanted to get into presenting, Simon was the person that I went to because I believe he’s the best at it.

“He’s the best at the craft of news reading and I wanted to learn from the best.”

Breaking news still excites her, Stokes says.

“I really enjoy having to think on my feet or feeling like I’m treading water underneath, but being very still and composed at the top, and that’s important.”

While she’s calm at work, her home life is a different story, she says.

“I’m in a flap quite often. I’m very flappable. But behind the desk, you know, I know what I’m doing. I’m in control.”

A traditional TV news bulletin still has a valuable place in the media landscape, she says.

“You turn to 1News when you want good, fair, balanced and factual reporting. You’re not getting that from your TikTok feed or your Facebook feed.

“I guess when you watch the 6 o’clock news, you’re seeing a product that many eyes and many ears have looked at and have decided what is the most important things of the day and what you need to know.”

Stokes has been with TVNZ for more than two decades, including a stint as Europe Correspondent. She has been presenting 1News at Six on the weekends since 2019.

She will anchor the TVNZ’s main bulletin five nights a week from Sunday to Thursday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand